The AP kit opens from the top for changing pads. It uses two steel sleeves to brace the gap and hold the anti-rattle spring.

One of the reasons I decided against Brembo was because the monoblock caliper has to be removed to change pads.

Thats a big deal for me too. Its one of the things I don't like about the new Brembo Monoblock calipers. I had the 4 pistons version on my e46 M3 with the removable bridge for easy pad changes from the top.

Have you tried the AP kit with 18" wheels yet? Im a little suspicious about all these kits fitting easily with most 18" wheels.

Have you tried the AP kit with 18" wheels yet? Im a little suspicious about all these kits fitting easily with most 18" wheels.

My wheel strategy is built around 18" rims. Out of my vast selection of rims and tires, the only rims I have to use a 10mm spacer with are the factory 18x8.5" front wheels and that's only when I mount them on the front.

For the track I use a square set of factory 18x9.5" (rears) that fit fine with no spacers front or back.

Basically, the wheel fitment guide (pdf file) on the Brake Pro's site is accurate. If it clears your wheels, the brakes will clear.

My wheel strategy is built around 18" rims. Out of my vast selection of rims and tires, the only rims I have to use a 10mm spacer with are the factory 18x8.5" front wheels and that's only when I mount them on the front.

For the track I use a square set of factory 18x9.5" (rears) that fit fine with no spacers front or back.

Basically, the wheel fitment guide (pdf file) on the Brake Pro's site is accurate. If it clears your wheels, the brakes will clear.

I am considering this kit - do you think 18x8.5 (with a spacer I assume) with fit the back? I have the OEM winter tire set up which is 18x8.5 square. Thanks

Each caliper uses 4 pads on the PFC kit, which is unique from my knowledge.

The C6 Corvette Z06 uses 6 pads in each front caliper and 4 pads in each rear. That system, supplied by PBR, leaves a LOT to be desired for those drivers pushing that car very hard (not that it is related at all to the PFC system). It might be better to use other criteria in making an evaluation.

By the way, AP Racing has been making calipers and discs for professional motorsports, OE and aftermarket customers for almost 40 years. It original parent (Automotive Products plc) had been manufacturing brake systems since sometime around 1918, I believe, with Mr. Malcolm Lougheed (later changing his name to Lockheed) and his initial development of automotive hydraulic brake systems. Just a point of reference.

The C6 Corvette Z06 uses 6 pads in each front caliper and 4 pads in each rear. That system, supplied by PBR, leaves a LOT to be desired for those drivers pushing that car very hard (not that it is related at all to the PFC system). It might be better to use other criteria in making an evaluation.

correct not related

PBR

Quote:

Originally Posted by AP Racing - Chris_B

By the way, AP Racing has been making calipers and discs for professional motorsports, OE and aftermarket customers for almost 40 years. It original parent (Automotive Products plc) had been manufacturing brake systems since sometime around 1918, I believe, with Mr. Malcolm Lougheed (later changing his name to Lockheed) and his initial development of automotive hydraulic brake systems. Just a point of reference.

Marketing.

Same kind of sh*t could said about PF. PF makes brakes for major race series. They have many many hard race laps and championships with their systems.

AP Racing and Performance Friction are very good systems. Same could not be said for other piston-counters brake kits out there.

Cost is an issue if PFR front and rear is used. That is one of the reasons I chose AP. My install is tomorrow.

Has anyone done a comparison of the long-term (4-5 years) operation costs of the APR, PF, Brembo, and StopTech systems--assuming regular track use? Obviously, lots of driver and usage related variables there, but this would be a relevant thing to consider.

Has anyone done a comparison of the long-term (4-5 years) operation costs of the APR, PF, Brembo, and StopTech systems--assuming regular track use? Obviously, lots of driver and usage related variables there, but this would be a relevant thing to consider.

I know to replace the rotors and related hardware on the Brembo 380mm kits is around $1000 to $1200. My rotors on my E46 M3 lasted a long time, daily driven plus about 10 track days. My skills are not at the same levels as yours though Lucid.

I know to replace the rotors and related hardware on the Brembo 380mm kits is around $1000 to $1200. My rotors on my E46 M3 lasted a long time, daily driven plus about 10 track days. My skills are not at the same levels as yours though Lucid.

You never know. I don't claim to be an expert driver or anything.

The OEM rotors lasted about 10 days for me, and they cost about $300 each.

Same kind of sh*t could said about PF. PF makes brakes for major race series. They have many many hard race laps and championships with their systems.

You may say so, but for those watching this thread (which is about the AP Racing brake system), the difference in experience should not be glossed over so simply.

With all due respect, I have known some of the people at PFC for around 20 years and respect them and the company. However, PFC has been making calipers for just a few years now. They started as a pad company, then got into iron discs and now begun with calipers. Their race calipers have definitely had some success in some arenas after significant challenges, but their street calipers were just released last year. Again, I'm not saying they are garbage by any means. But your statement implies that they have the same level of experience as AP and some others, which is clearly not the case. In the eyes of the market, they will need to earn their stripes just like everybody else has. And I wish them nothing but the best.

The OEM rotors lasted about 10 days for me, and they cost about $300 each.

Is the $1k figure you quoted for the Brembos per wheel? (I assume so)

I would have to check the email I got again, but I think that was for the front end. But I would have to dig up the email. On my 355mm Brembos, to replace the rotors and brackets it ran me around me around $950 shipped, fronts.